The first thing you will need to do is buy a vinyl cutter. These can be found on Amazon or in craft stores for affordable prices (around $100-$150). With the purchase of this machine, it will come with some software and an art pack that contains different designs as well as fonts and pictures.
The next step is to download your desired design from any website onto your computer. Then go ahead and open up the program provided by the provider of the vinyl cutter’s hardware. In my case, I was using Silhouette Studio Designer Edition – which comes installed on my laptop when I bought it at Best Buy last year- so all I had to do was import what ever file type had been downloaded previously into their software and then click the file and drag it to where I wanted it positioned.
Remember, you are only limited by your imagination when designing these decals! You can use pictures of your family or words that represent who you are as a person. Here are some ideas:
- Pictures from vacations/family events
- Quotes about life goals
- Your favorite hobby or sport team’s logo design
- A saying that inspires you
The next step is to choose an art pack on the software package and load in what ever image was chosen for this project before cutting out certain portions with a razor blade (or xacto knife). Remember, if using one type of material like vinyl then keep all surfaces clean so they will adhere and stick.
- Using an xacto knife, cut out the design you want to use onto a piece of vinyl and then peel off the backing
- Then place it on whatever surface you are wanting to apply it too (fabric is very popular) wait about 30 seconds before peeling back the protective layer that was underneath where your decal will be applied
- The last step is just waiting for all surfaces to dry! It only takes a few minutes after heating up with a blowdryer or ironing flat so if done correctly this project should take less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
A design, die-cut vinyl decal
Decide on a design, and then choose your size. Most designs are available in multiple sizes from lettering for pen holders to large signs that cover the entire side of a building or barn door. If you want it printed on clear material (opaque), let us know when you check out. The cost depends on how much space your design takes up, but smaller ones start as low as $50! We recommend ordering at least one larger piece with an outline around it so people can see what’s there without needing to get close enough to read the writing underneath. When finished shopping, place items into cart and select checkout button below this paragraph.
Vinyl is a durable material with the flexibility to be cut into shapes just like paper or fabric. The most common type of vinyl used in making custom cuts for signage and vehicle graphics is called cast film (aka CNC film). Cast films are uniform in thickness – they maintain their shape even when bent around corners and can withstand cold conditions without becoming brittle. They also have superior clarity so designs will print crisply on it without any distortion from backlighting while providing an excellent substrate for either screen printing or digital printing methods such as Roland Eco Solvent Inkjet Film Printing System . If you’re looking at doing large quantity orders please contact us because we offer discounts! And don’t forget to take a look at our other products like diecut vinyls, banners and more in the shop!
An X-Acto knife is the best tool for cutting vinyl
As an alternative to scissors, you can use this blade to cut along any designs with sharp edges. The X-Acto knife will not damage or distort your material. It is also a great tool if you need to add smaller details like lettering that may be difficult using just a pair of scissors. Use the pen as a guide and press firmly against it while sliding across your surface in one stroke to get clean cuts! Here are some other tips on how we recommend getting started:
- Use low heat when ironing onto adhesive sheets – too much heat will result in distortion.
- Cutting out shapes from adhesive sheet stock requires more care than paper – rough surfaces such as laminated materials should be pre-cut before application.
- It’s much easier to cut shapes out of vinyl if it is not stretched tightly across a surface – use weights or clamps to hold down the material while cutting.
A cutting surface or other suitable sharp cutting utensil
A cutting surface or other suitable sharp cutting utensils:
Your vinyl will need a hard, flat surface to cut on. A heavy piece of glass works well for this. You can also use the mat that comes with your diecut machine! Applying pressure while using an x-acto knife is essential to getting clean cuts. If you are having trouble see if it would be easier to get through by slightly changing the angle of your blade and applying more force.
Scotch tape and/or transfer tape
Record the design on paper with a pencil or pen. Tape both sheets together and cut out your shape using sharp scissors
Scotch tape: Scotch brand transparent tape is excellent for this purpose because it does not leave any adhesive residue when removed. For vinyl shapes, use only clear (non-adhesive) scotch tapes as they will not stick once applied to semi-transparent material such as cast film. Transfer tape is also great if you need something less expensive but want similar results! You can find either type at your local craft store in varying widths – we recommend trying ¼” to start with smaller projects like pens or keychains. If you’re looking for more information about how our products are made check out our blog for more detailed tutorials!
We recommend starting with small projects like pens or keychains.
Scotch brand transparent tape is excellent because it does not leave any adhesive residue when removed and works best on semi-transparent material such as cast film. Transfer tapes are also great if you need something less expensive but want similar results – we recommend trying ¼” to start with smaller projects. If you’re looking for more information about how our products are made, check out the blogs for more details!
Adhesive-backed colored vinyl color choice is up to you
Product Description: This product is a peel and stick vinyl that can be applied to any smooth, clean surface. Our adhesive-backed colored vinyl has superior clarity so designs will print crisply on it without distortion from backlighting while providing an excellent substrate for screen printing or digital printing methods such as Roland Eco Solvent Inkjet Film Printing System
This material can also withstand outdoor conditions with proper protection; it’s fade resistant against natural elements like wind, rain, snow etc. The non-adhesive side of the film should always face outward when installed outdoors – this prevents water droplets from getting stuck in between two layers! For smaller projects (such as car decals), we recommend using our clear cast films which are thinner and less bulky than vinyl sheets.
The adhesive backed colored vinyl is easy to use, just peel off the liner and stick it onto your surface – that’s all there is to it!
Adhesive-backed colored vinyl
color choice is up to you.This material can also withstand outdoor conditions with proper protection; it’s fade resistant against natural elements like wind, rain, snow etc. The non-adhesive side of the film should always face outward when installed outdoors – this prevents water droplets from getting stuck in between two layers! For smaller projects (such as car decals), we recommend using our clear cast films which are thinner and less bulky than vinyl sheets.
The adhesive backed colored vinyl is easy to use just peel off the liner and stick it onto your surface that’s all there is to it!
Tweezers
I prefer a needle-nosed pair, really sharp points.Product Description: This is a crucial tool in your diecut machine kit because it will help you place tiny pieces. Tweezers come shaped like an L or T to be able to get those hard-to-reach places and can make the difference between cutting out perfect shapes and botched ones!
Tweezers are required tools for any craft project that requires small details, as they allow you to pick up very small items with ease.
Tweezers should always have extra grip on one side of the handle – this type is called “ergonomic” tweezers which give greater control when using them. They also provide more precision because there is less chance of accidentally crushing what’s being held (especially if it’s delicate). The pointed tip will help you to get into tight spaces and the sharp points are perfect for picking up tiny pieces.
Tweezers come in different shapes, but I prefer a needle-nosed pair for really sharp points
We recommend our gold plated tweezers because they’re top of the line quality! These work wonderfully with any project that requires precision – just be careful not to use them as scissors or pry anything open! If your tweezers don’t have an ergonomic grip on one side try gripping it like a pen where you would hold it closer to the pointy end rather than at its widest point which may cause hand fatigue after prolonged use. You should always make sure that your hands are clean before using this tool, and be aware of the dangers you might encounter (such as poking your eye out with a pointy end).
Scissors
This is a crucial tool in your diecut machine kit because it will help you cut out desired shapes. Scissors are typically known as shears, and come shaped like an L or T to be able to get those hard-to-reach places and can make the difference between cutting out perfect shapes and botched ones!
Scissors should always have extra grip on one side of the handle – this type is called “ergonomic” scissors which give greater control when using them. They also provide more precision because there is less chance of accidentally crushing what’s being held (especially if it’s delicate). The pointed tip will help you with tight spaces that need detail work, while sharp points allow for precise cuts.
Transfer tape
Transfer tape specially made tape with the adhesive strength in between that of scotch tape and a post-it note.
This is a crucial tool in your diecut machine kit because it will help you apply images to surfaces. Transfer tape comes on an adhesive backing and can be cut with scissors or used as-is for smaller projects, such as car decals. The non-adhesive side of the film should always face outward when installed outdoors – this prevents water droplets from getting stuck in between two layers!
Transfer tapes come in different shapes (such as dots) but I prefer using our clear transfer tape which can withstand outdoor conditions. Some applications use printable films instead of transfer tapes so we recommend doing research into what’s best for each project type before deciding on one method over another. It may take some time to get used to how sticky transfer tape is, so if you find yourself struggling to remove the backing when installing it start by peeling off a corner and slowly work your way across from there.
Please use with caution! This product contains chemicals which can be harmful to humans in large doses. Keep away from children at all times or store securely out of reach – they may accidentally ingest these items while exploring their environment. If ingested call poison control immediately (US) or take them to hospital for treatment as soon as possible (Canada). The adhesive on transfer tapes should not come into contact with other surfaces such as clothing because it will leave a residue that will need professional attention; we recommend using old newspapers for protection before applying film over top of something delicate like wallpaper.
Patience and a penchant for the meticulous
This is a crucial skill for any DIY’er because it will help you to not give up when working on your project. There are times where things don’t go as planned and you’ll need patience in order make sure that the problem gets fixed so try not get discouraged!
We recommend our clear transfer tape which can withstand outdoor conditions (as opposed to inkjet) and can usually be found at most craft stores. It may take some time getting used to how sticky transfer tape is, but if you find yourself struggling with removing the backing start by peeling off a corner an slowly work your way across from there. Keep away from children at all times or store securely out of reach – they may accidentally ingest these items while exploring their environment.